| K. B. Siddaiah | |
| Birth Date: | 1954 3, df=yes |
| Birth Place: | Kenkere, Tumkur, Karnataka, India |
| Death Place: | Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Language: | Kannada |
| Movement: | Dalit movement |
| Spouse: | Gangarajamma |
| Children: | 3 |
Kenkere Bailappa Siddaiah (2 March 1954 – 19 October 2019), commonly known as Prof. K. B. Siddaiah or simply KB, was an Indian poet, sociopolitical–philosopher, writer and social activist known for his works in Kannada language.[1] [2] For his contribution to Kannada literature, he was awarded the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award by the Government of Karnataka in 2013.[3]
Siddaiah was born in Kenkere in Tumkuru to Bailurappa and Anthuramma.[2] He married Gangarajamma and had three children.[2]
Siddaiah started his career as an English lecturer and got involved in Dalit movement in Karnataka and became a prominent leader in the movement.[4] He was one of the founding members of the Dalita Sangharsha Samiti.[5]
KB's poems were mostly based on social life of the marginalized people.[6] His poems including ’Ee naada manninalli’ inspired people across the state to join the Dalit movement.[4]
Siddaiah met with a road accident and admitted in Manipal hospital in Bangalore and died eventually on 18 October in 2019. He was survived by his wife and 3 children.[7]